Paramaribo City

LocationParamaribo, the capital city of the Republic of Suriname lies along the west bank of the Suriname river, approx. 23 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Paramaribo is bordered in the north and east by the Suriname river and in the south and west by district Wanica.

Origin and general informationThe name ‘Paramaribo’ is probably derived from the name of an Amerindian village called Parmirbo. In the beginning of the 17th century a trade post was set up in this village. This post was conquered by the English after which they built a fort called Fort Willoughby. In 1667, the area was conquered by Abraham Crijnssen and the city Paramaribo was expanded in western direction. After the abolition of slavery in 1863 and the termination of contract labor in 1873, many people moved to the city. This made it once again necessary to expand the city and in 1987 a governmental re-division took place at which the district was subdivided into 12 resorts. Since 2002, the center of Paramaribo is placed on the Unesco World Heritage List of historical monuments. One of the protected buildings is the St. Peter & Paul Cathedral at the former Gravenstraat (now called Henck Arronstraat) which is completely constructed of wood and which is the largest wooden building in South America. As of the seventies, the church was in dire need of restoration and in October 1989 it was no longer responsible to continue services in the church and the building was closed down. In 2002, a start was made with an extensive restoration project.

Day programYou will receive a guided tour by car or bus, and on foot, passed the most prominent historical locations in the city center of Paramaribo at which you will be impressed by the unique architecture. The guide gives extensive information about the Fort Zeelandia museum, the Presidential Palace, the Independence Square and many other monumental buildings. They are a representation of the history of the colonial times in Suriname. After a walk along the Waterkant (on the bank of the Suriname river) and through the Palm Garden, you will encounter more interesting buildings such as a mosque right next to a synagogue.

Dining and MealsSuriname knows a wide array of influences from African, Javanese, Hindustani, Creole and Dutch cuisine and you can choose daily from a wide variety of restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy tantalizing local and international dishes.